Denver, Colorado, July 24, 2009, 4:12 a.m., M.T.~

Dear Journal~

Hello from the Rockies!  My name is Derbi Ann Wilson, and I am fourteen years old.  I live here in Denver, Colorado, with my mom, Carole, my dad, Tom, little brother, Ethan, and little sister, Emma-Tess.  I'm the oldest; the other two are just little, only four and two years old.  I love 'em to death!

I'm also a born-again Christian.  I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was only seven, seven years ago, and my life hasn't been the same since, especially since Ethan, my brother, was born.  You see, he has some special needs, and he needs help.  He was born with cerebral palsy and cleft palate; he has had a hard life; yet through it all, he remains his usual, chipper, happy self.  Nothing really gets to him; he's one of the happiest little boys I know!

I will be in the ninth grade at Alta Vista Senior High when school starts back up next month.  I'm a little scared, but I know I will make it through with God's help.

I have many friends; one of my newest friends is a girl, aged 17, named Sage.  Sage Rainbow McDermott is her full name, and she has a lot of personal problems that she is trying to put behind her; she really struggles at times.  I met her at church camp last week, and she and I just sorta clicked, ya know? 

Anyway, Sage told me she used to dabble in the occult, was even thinking of joining a coven or something; she was extremely unhappy.  She lost her parents when she was four; they abandoned her, and she now lives with her aunt and uncle, who are raising her as their own.  She says they are strict; she always seems to be fighting with them.

Sage found Christ just this year; she's trying to put her trust in Him, but is having a hard time because the past keeps creeping up with her in the form of old friends from the coven bothering her, or memories of being abandoned (what she can remember, that is).  She has been doing a lot of journaling; she is one angry, sad young girl! 

My heart goes out to her; she needs a lot of support and understanding!

When she was at camp, she temporarily forgot of her problems, actually had fun.  It was great to see her laughing, cutting up with the others, that is, once she opened herself up.  Sage is a kind, witty, compassionate girl with a wry sense of humor and a sweet spirit; she and I just sorta connected.  It was really great!

Now she and I text each other or e-mail each other; we even call each other on the phone, to say, "Hi!  How you doin'?"  (Derbi says, doing her best Bronx accent LOL)

She's come over to my house, has met my family.  They all love her as much as I do.  I am so glad that God has brought Sage into my life; she is certainly someone special!

Anyway, back to my story.  I have many interests, among them being rock climbing, snow skiing, helping out with the kids at church, making new friends, reading (I only read Christian books; don't do the secular thing), writing stories or poetry, dancing (I've taken jazz, ballet, and tap since I was Tessa's age), singing (I started voice lessons when I was six; still take 'em today), and visiting the seniors at the nursing home on Fridays.  I am a very active, well-rounded kid, as you can see.  :)

People never forget me once they meet me.  I guess one reason has to do with my name.  Derbi.  D-E-R-B-I.  I don't know of any other Derbis running about; guess mom wanted something original.  Different.  So she named me Derbi.  I think it's cool; I like it!

Meanwhile, poor Ethan has a (sorta) normal name, while Tess is a little old-fashioned; however, mom and dad liked those names, so they got those names when they were born.

I like those names, too.  If I get married and have a baby, I plan on having two children, a boy and a girl.  I plan on naming the boy Ezekial Charles and the girl Sarah Joy.  Or maybe Ethan Ezekial or Tess Joy.  :)

Name 'em after my brother and sister. 

Right now, though, I'm too young to be thinking about having babies or worrying about boys.  I have my whole life ahead of me.  I'm only fourteen.  Think I should enjoy being a kid while I still can; it will pass by me, quick!  Before I know it, I'll be in college, thinking about what I might want to do for the rest of my life!

Egads.

Well, I am going to go; too freekin early to be up; woke up with the birds this morning.  LOL  Going back to bed; I don't plan on getting up before noon.  So on that note, goodnight; don't let the bedbugs bite!  *Snzzzz*  LOL

Will write in here again; you'll hear from me then.  This is Derbi Ann Wilson saying so long, everybody!  May God bless you as much as He's blessed me!

~Love, your new friend in Colorado, Derbi Ann, aged 14.